Great question — Vetivert is essentially another name for Vetiver in perfumery. The term “vetivert” is more common in British English and in older perfumery texts, while “vetiver” is the standard usage today (from the Tamil word vēṭṭivēr, meaning "root that is dug up").

Vetivert (Vetiver): Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Botanical source: Chrysopogon zizanioides (Poaceae family).

• Part used: Roots (fibrous, aromatic).

• Extraction: Steam distillation → vetiver oil (sometimes called “oil of tranquility”).

• Note type: Base note.

• Synonyms: Vetiver, Khus, Ruh Khus (in Indian perfumery), Vetivert (British).

2. Aroma Character

• Deep, earthy, smoky, resinous, and woody.

• Nuances:

  • Rooty & earthy → damp soil, mossy, mineral-rich.

  • Woody & smoky → resinous, dry, sometimes leathery.

  • Green & herbal → slightly bitter, sharp, grassy tones.

  • Sweet-balsamic undertones → soft, warm drydown.

• Compared to Vetiver, “Vetivert” is often used to describe a slightly darker, smokier interpretation of the note in perfumery.

3. Key Molecules

• Khusimol → earthy-woody backbone.

• Vetivone & vetiverol → smoky, resinous depth.

• Sesquiterpenes → longevity and fixative power.

4. Perfume Applications

• Acts as a fixative and grounding base in countless perfumes.

• Common in:

  • Woody scents → backbone of masculine woody compositions.

  • Chypres & fougères → balances citrus, lavender, oakmoss.

  • Orientals → adds smoky-earthy depth to resins and balsams.

  • Niche/Artisanal → often highlighted as the star note.

• Blends beautifully with:

  • Citrus → bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin.

  • Spices → pepper, nutmeg, cardamom.

  • Resins → frankincense, myrrh, labdanum.

  • Florals → rose, iris, jasmine.

  • Other earthy notes → patchouli, oakmoss, cypriol.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Grounding, stabilizing, and protective.

• Associated with:

  • Earth & resilience.

  • Meditation & calmness.

  • Masculine elegance & sophistication.

 Quick Summary Table

In essence: Vetivert = Vetiver in perfumery. The name is often used when referring to darker, smokier, more resinous interpretations of the root oil, but they are essentially the same note.